In Hawaii, any time is the right time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. In a lot of other places, you might be stuck indoors much of the year. So when that first beautiful spring weather arrives, you might spend the whole day outside without thinking about the nasty sunburn you will have when you wake up.
We all love to enjoy the sun, but to save your skin, you will need to wear more than that beautiful Aloha shirt. Here are a few ideas to protect yourself:
Hats
Aloha shirts pair well with many types of hats. Remember Tom Selleck as Mangum P.I.? You probably remember the Aloha shirt, but you might not remember that he often wore a baseball cap with it. A visor is nice because it allows the breeze to blow through your hair while you still get a little relaxing shade.
Straw hats or any type of hat with a wide brim shields your face and neck, but don’t try to run because they might fly off. That’s when a baseball cap or visor works well. Bucket hats are good for a boat ride.
Hat for sun protection and style
Sunscreen
Repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer, and the most important thing to do to stop it is wearing sunscreen. For the best protection, use an SPF of 30 or higher.
Wear it on cloudy days in addition to sunny days, because harmful rays will shine through clouds. Reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you have been in the water. Check expiration dates too, because sunscreen loses its effectiveness after a certain point.
Other Lotions
Use other types of lotions to care for your skin when you are away from the sun. Dry skin develops small cracks that allow bacteria and fungus to seep in. After a warm or cool (not hot) shower, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple. Some lotions even combine moisturizers with sunscreen.
Sunglasses
It's no fun to be outside in the bright sun without sunglasses to cut the glare. It's also bad for your eyes, which can be damaged by UV rays. Glasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption provide the best protection.
Big sunglasses to protect your eyes
Umbrellas
If there are no trees around and you want some shade, bring your own. Umbrellas are not just for the rain. Whether walking or sitting, give yourself a break from the hot sun with portable shade.
Stay Inside for a While
It’s usually more fun to be outside when the weather is nice, but it’s also a good idea to stay in during the hours when the sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Enjoy a long lunch and a nap before continuing your outdoor summer plans.
Eat, Drink and Sleep
Protect yourself from the inside as well as the outside. Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
No Smoking
Smoking contributes to the premature aging of skin, including wrinkles and discoloration. It narrows your skin’s outermost layers, which decreases blood flow and denies your skin oxygen and nutrients. The sun is tough enough on our skin, so there’s no need to make it worse.